UK private sector growth accelerated in February, with the S&P Global Flash UK PMI Composite Output Index climbing to 53.9 from 53.7 in January. The jump marks the fastest pace in 22 months, reflecting a surge in new work and a rebound in domestic and export demand that firms say has tightened sales pipelines.

The Flash UK Services PMI Business Activity Index slipped to 53.9 from 54.0, its lowest in two months, while the Manufacturing Output Index leapt to 53.6 from 51.6, a 17‑month high. Export orders for goods rose at the fastest rate